Rahman enjoying reinvention

Bangladesh batsman started out as a bowler, but has settled into his new role now

Ziaur Rahman is a key man in the Bangladesh team.

Bangladesh big-hitter Ziaur Rahman is hoping to make his mark on the ICC World T20 after impressing in Saturday’s warm-up match against Zimbabwe.

The 25-year-old hit three sixes in his 26 not out to steer his side to victory by five wickets after Bangladesh had slipped to 85-5 in pursuit of 135.

Rahman began his playing days as a fast-medium bowler who batted down the order before injury threatened his career, only for his coach to provide a new path.

Rahman explained: “My fast bowling ambitions had to be sacrificed due to injuries but I was given a new lease of life at my Dhaka Premier Division club this season by coach Khaled Mahmud. He asked me to open the batting and I did that throughout the season and was successful.

“I played my natural game and that is what has brought me here. It takes a lot of courage and conviction to ask someone who has not done it before to open the batting in Bangladesh’s main competition. I am indebted to the coach for having that faith in me.”

Rahman is now just an occasional bowler but was selected in Bangladesh’s squad for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 for his ability with the ball.

“In 2007 I was more of a pace bowler who could use the long handle,” said Rahman. “I was selected as the third option seamer probably but it was tough to get into the side with Mashrafe (Mortaza), (Syed) Rasel and Farhad Reza playing. Now I see myself more as a batsman and I have been given another opportunity. I am really looking forward to this tournament as we have done quite well in the lead up to the WT20 and have played a lot of Twenty20 matches.”